Cercidium floridum

From California Natives Wiki

Species Name: Cercidium floridumCommon Name: Blue Palo Verde

Spectacular specimen tree. Stunning blue-green trunk with bright yellow blooms in early summer. Beautifies a garden with its light, airy texture. Very drought tolerant. Recommended as specimen in courtyard.

Plant Family: Fabaceae

Plant Type: Tree

Height by Width: 20-30' H x 20' W

Growth Habit: Upright, airy

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Moderate

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Soil Preference: Adaptable

Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant to occasional

Cold Hardy to: Frost tender

Flower Season: Spring and summer

Flower Color: Bright yellow

Endangered?: Not Listed

Distribution: Sonoran Desert to Arizona

Natural Habitat: Washes, flood plains to 3500'.

Care and Maintenance

History

Introduced into cultivation in California by Theodore Payne.

From California Native Plants, Theodore Payne's 1941 catalog: "A beautiful deciduous tree of spreading habit, with bright green trunk and branches, small bipinnate leaves and a perfect shower of yellow flowers. Found at Palm Springs and many other places on the desert. Should be planted in a sandy soil. This is the true Palo Verde of the California deserts and must not be confused with the Parkinsonia aculeata, which has been planted at Palm Springs and many other places, but which is not a native of California. Gallon cans, 60c; 5 gallon cans, $1.75."